0 Ironhorse Central Railroad

The Ironhorse Central is a family-owned railroad museum northeast of Minneapolis, and I can easily believe that this is the largest privately-owned railroad in the country. Above we see Erik Thompson showing the station to my wife. Most of the work is done by Erik, his father Richard, and his two young sons, as I understand it.

They have a large and varied collection of equipment. This steam locomotive was recently acquired, and has had some work done on it.

The main line circles the property. These home-made cars, based on speeders, provide revenue service when they're not too busy, but there's also a full-sized train that can be used.

My main interest was in two old wooden passenger cars inside the barn.

DSS&A #221 is a coach built in 1888 by Jackson and Sharp.

Much of the original woodwork is intact.

NP #1989 was built as a coach by Wason in 1870. It was converted to a business car in 1913, and later used as a cabin. However, the interior is still intact and generally in excellent condition.

Erik told me that while it was still a coach, it was probably used by General Custer and his men on their way to the frontier. This is really a beautiful car.

(L) The kitchen was modified somewhat while it was a cabin, but is still mostly intact. (R) Pictures and history of the car, which was acquired by Erik's grandfather.

Behind this caboose is a BN (ex-NP) dynamometer. I guess my picture of the exterior vanished. This one has a cupola for the operators, accessed by these steps. It's interesting to compare this to our Milwaukee Road dynamometer. This one has sleeping compartments and a kitchen.

The museum's website, linked above, is very good and has more information on all of this equipment.

But let's take a ride around the property. Erik is at the controls of the motor car, and we're riding in the passenger car. As we pass the station on the first loop, one of the boys hoops up orders to the other one, who is serving as the conductor.

And here's the picnic ground. I didn't get a picture of the petting zoo, which is maintained by the boys.

This was a very interesting and entertaining visit. Erik was very friendly and informative and showed us through various items not normally open to the public. I highly recommend a visit to anyone from IRM!